Chartered Institution of Wastes Management chief executive Steve Lee has said there was “little news, good or otherwise” for the waste and resource management sector in the Budget.
Chancellor George Osborne’s Budget contained confirmation that Landfill Tax would increase by £8 per tonne to £80 on 1 April 2014 as well as departmental budget cuts to Defra and DECC. (See our story on this)
Steve Lee said: “It is disappointing that repeated calls for a longer term plan for Landfill Tax to provide certainty beyond 2015 and increase investor confidence in the waste sector have not been heard.
“In addition, the Chancellor’s ringing words on boosting infrastructure ring hollow against the backdrop of the recent and unexpected decision to withdraw PFI credits from another three waste infrastructure projects.
“Finally, the additional cut to Defra’s budget, as well as those potentially faced by DECC and BIS, will impact on our sector.
“At a time when ambition, leadership and progressive policy making are needed to tackle critical issues such as resource and energy security, CIWM believes these cuts throw into serious doubt the Government’s ability to deliver its green economy promises.”
